GOP prez race diverse or divided?

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) - As former Governor Mitt Romney attempts a 1-2-3 victory in South Carolina, Newt Gingrich is taking the gloves off, launching a series of attack ads and a documentary, bashing the leading candidate.

Rep. Bradford Hill (R- Ipswich), 2 ^nd Assistant Minority Leader says the attacks will only make the former governor stronger.  “Mitt Romney will be battle tested, he will be able to overcome all of the criticisms he’s been getting over the past couple of weeks,” said Hill.  

No candidates have dropped out of the race since the New Hampshire primary, leaving a spectrum of Republican interests in tact. Democratic lawmakers say it shows a party divided.

“On the Republican side, traditionally, they’ve anointed one, to sort of carry the banner and we’re seeing a different Republican party.  We’ve got the tea party here, we’ve got social conservatives over here, you’ve got the moderate wing over here,” said Rep. Joseph Wagner (D-Chicopee).  “They’re clearly a party divided.”

Republicans say their diverse range of candidate’s shows healthy debate and the party will eventually come together.

“When you are allowed to debate, no matter if it’s 1, 2, or 7 [candidates], it allows you to be the candidate that you hope to be and allows you to be seen,” said Hill.

“I don’t think it’s a negative.  I think sometimes it causes us to have debates, sometimes those debates use resources, but in the end, I think the discussion that results is a positive one and a healthy one,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester).

Massachusetts Republicans have their support firmly planted behind Romney.  But democratic lawmakers warn that President Obama will make a formidable opponent in any debate.